Curaçao through after draw against Cuba

WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao is through to the next round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The team of trainer Patrick Kluivert had enough for a 1-1 draw against Cuba in Havana. The first match in Willemstad had ended in 0-0.

The match ended in Cuba four hours after it had begun. The half time drew a huge thunderstorm over the Estadio Pedro Marrero in Havana. In addition, the lightning hit nearby in the dressing room of the team of Curaçao. The game resumed until two hours later.

The Curaçao team played a strong first half. Cuba still surprised Curaçao at the 5th minute with a goal by Yenier Márques Molina, which made the game 1-0. But then team Kluivert dominated the field. That led in the 16th minute to tie the score. After an attack on the left Vidarrell 'Papito' Merencia which plays at ADO Den Haag scored 1-1.

Mud bath

During the rest of the first half the team Kluivert got many opportunities to expand the score, but the odds were not utilized. A minute before halftime, the Cuban goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez Mustelier brought a star player of Curaçao down. He was given the red card and was allowed to leave.

The second half was played under difficult circumstances. Torrential rain had turned the field into a mud bath. Curaçao had a hard time playing in these conditions. Cuba insisted, still with ten men, but the draw was not in danger.